stain
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1stain
verb \ˈstān\Definition of STAIN
transitive verb
1
: to suffuse with color
3
a : taint 3 <a conscience stained with guilt> b : to bring discredit on <the scandal stained his reputation>
4
: to color (as wood, glass, or cloth) by processes affecting chemically or otherwise the material itself
intransitive verb
: to receive a stain
— stain·able \ˈstā-nə-bəl\ adjective
— stain·er \ˈstā-nər\ noun
See Examples of STAIN
- The red wine stained the carpet.
- He stained the wood a dark cherry color.
- The accusations stained his reputation.
Origin of STAIN
Middle English steynen, partly from Anglo-French desteindre to take away the color from & partly of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse steina to paint — more at distain
First Known Use: 14th century
2stain
nounDefinition of STAIN
1
a : a soiled or discolored spot b : a natural spot of color contrasting with the ground
2
: a taint of guilt : stigma
3
: a preparation (as of dye or pigment) used in staining: as a : a dye or pigment capable of penetrating the pores of wood b : a dye or mixture of dyes used in microscopy to make visible minute and transparent structures, to differentiate tissue elements, or to produce specific chemical reactions
— stain·proof \-ˌprüf\ adjective
Examples of STAIN
- There's a juice stain on the floor.
- She has a stain on her shirt.
- Will those grass stains wash out?
First Known Use of STAIN
1557
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